Marma Chikitsa – A Systematic Review on Utility of Marma Chikitsa in Various Musculoskeletal Disorders

ABSTRACT: Marma Chikitsa, an ancient Ayurvedic therapeutic modality, targets specific vital points (Marmas) on the body to restore balance and alleviate various health conditions. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of Marma Chikitsa in managing musculoskeletal disorders, focusing on conditions such as tennis elbow, lumbar spondylosis, cervical spondylosis, osteoarthritis of the knee, and frozen shoulder. Recent studies indicate that Marma therapy can significantly reduce pain, enhance joint mobility, and improve functional outcomes in patients with these disorders. These findings suggest that Marma Chikitsa offers a noninvasive, holistic approach to managing musculoskeletal disorders, potentially serving as a complementary therapy alongside conventional treatments. However, the review also highlights the need for larger-scale, randomized controlled trials to confirm these preliminary findings and establish standardized protocols for Marma therapy in musculoskeletal care.